Teens abuse all types of drugs, including over the counter medications, inhalants, marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 16 million Americans age 12 and older took a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in 2005. In 2008, nearly 2 million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 abused prescription drugs, and more than 15 percent of high school seniors reported non-medical use of at least one prescription medication within the past year.
Teens who struggle with drug abuse and addiction deserve to lead healthy, happy lives. But most can’t achieve long-term sobriety alone. Like adult drug abuse and addiction, teenage drug abuse commonly requires immediate, professional intervention.

Preventing teenage drug use: the importance of parental vigilance.

This is a serious issue with serious consequences. Teens who abuse drugs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, develop more intense substance abuse problems and develop a host of health complications. As a parent, it’s important to be vigilant. Monitor your medicine cabinet, control access to medications that can be abused and be on the lookout for common signs of teenage drug abuse like: